Announcements

Latest Overseas Situation of COVID-19 and Revised Reporting Criteria for Suspected Cases of COVID-19

5 Mar 2020
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In view of the COVID-19 outbreak in certain countries/areas, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged the public against travelling to Hubei Province where there is widespread community transmission of COVID-19 virus, and to avoid unnecessary travel to other provinces/cities of Mainland China, Iran, Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto regions) and Korea. 

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection would like to advise the University members to avoid unnecessary travel. When travelling to countries/areas with community transmission of COVID-19 virus, they should avoid close contact with persons with fever or respiratory symptoms. If it is unavoidable to come into contact with them, put on a surgical mask and continue to do so until 14 days after returning to Hong Kong. 

In light of the latest situation of COVID-19 overseas, CHP has updated the reporting criteria to enhance surveillance of suspected cases. Medical practitioners are requested to report to the CHP any individual fulfilling the following for further investigation: 

  • Presented with fever or acute respiratory illness or pneumonia; and 
  • Either one of the following conditions within 14 days before onset of symptom:
    1. With travel history to a place with active community transmission of COVID-19; or
    2. Had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the following websites: